Securing your business premises and protecting your staff and assets is critical. While technology like security cameras and alarm systems are useful, a professional security guard offers skills and experience that technology alone cannot provide. If you’re considering hiring a security guard for your company, this guide covers key information, questions to ask, and tips for choosing the right security partner to meet your needs.
Understanding Your Security Needs
Before starting the search for a security company, take time to understand your specific security requirements. Important considerations include:
- Location: Is only your office space needed, or do you have other sites/locations that also need security? Warehouses and storage facilities often require guards.
- Hours: Determine what times/days coverage is needed. Most companies don’t operate 24/7, allowing for flexible guard shifts.
- Purpose: Decide if you primarily need a visual deterrent to prevent thefts and incidents, active patrolling, or physical altercation response. This clarity allows you to select suitable candidates.
- Budget: Costs vary by region, experience, certifications required, etc. Have a budget in mind before obtaining quotes.
Answering these questions will help vendors provide accurate proposals to fit your security needs.
The 5 Roles of a Security Guard
While the primary role of a security guard is preventing crime and protecting people and property, security guards take on several additional important responsibilities that provide value.
Deter Criminal Activity
The presence of a professional security guard acts as a strong visual deterrent to criminal activity. By patrolling the area, monitoring CCTV cameras, and attentively supervising the location, potential criminals are discouraged from targeting the site and are more likely to move on. Guards essentially broadcast the message that safety precautions are actively in place and criminal activity will be detected. Observant guards making rounds can thwart opportunistic petty crimes and premeditated, organized thefts.
Respond to Incidents
Should an incident occur, security guards are extensively trained to respond appropriately based on the situation’s details. This could mean confronting a trespasser, contacting authorities if a crime takes place, administering basic first aid if someone suffers an injury on site, or enacting emergency protocols if a fire, explosion, or other dangerous scenario develops. Every situation calls for a different calculated response, backed by the preparation instilled through guard training.
Ensure Safety Protocols are Followed.
Security guards actively enforce critical safety rules and protocols on the premises. This can mean managing vehicle and foot traffic flow in parking areas, verifying IDs and checking credentials upon entry to a building, monitoring activity via security camera networks, directing guests and visitors to the proper receiving areas, assisting with crowd control and lines when the lobby gets full, and executing emergency plans if disaster response becomes needed. Having guards manage safety protocols allows other personnel to stay focused on daily tasks.
Document Detailed Incident Reports.
If an incident occurs, thorough documentation is needed for internal records and to support external investigations or legal action if circumstances warrant it. Security guards are trained to respond tactfully when an incident develops and to clearly document all details of the situation while events are still fresh. This includes the date, time, persons involved, actions taken, emergency responders contacted, detailed observations, witness accounts, injuries/damages recorded, etc. Sharp documentation skills add more value than just deterring crime in the first place.
Qualities to Look for in a Security Guard
In addition to formal training, ideal security guard candidates possess the following qualities:
- Responsible – Given the nature of the job, guards need to take their positions seriously and perform duties reliably without constant supervision.
- Detail-Oriented – Officers must be observant of their surroundings and meticulous when recording events.
- Professional – Guards should conduct themselves professionally when interacting with employees and visitors.
- Self-Confident – Facing unknown threats or confrontations requires self-confidence during stressful situations.
- Calm under Pressure – Security personnel are trained to handle emergencies through level-headed critical thinking and action.
- Good Communicator – Speaking clearly and listening actively enables guards to resolve issues efficiently.
Checking references can offer insights into candidates’ suitability beyond skills and experience. The ideal guard will exemplify maturity, reliability, and sincerity.
Some of the Training and Certification Requirements
Reputable security companies thoroughly train all employees and have state licensing for operation. Common credentialing includes:
- Mandatory Orientation Training – Includes roles, responsibilities, operational procedures, emergency protocols, communication standards, and administrative tasks. Refresher courses may be periodically required.
- Site-Specific System Training – Guards receive training at your company to understand building layouts, access points, and relevant security systems like fire panels, bag checks, and surveillance.
- First Aid/CPR Certification – knowledge of basic emergency response procedures such as CPR, the Heimlich maneuver, and bleeding control.
- Licensing – Most states require guards to obtain a license by completing state-approved training programs. Common licenses include the Guard Card, Officer License, and Permit.
Confirm all necessary training is provided, along with options like defensive tactics, cybersecurity, disaster response, and workplace violence.
Tips for Choosing the Right Security Guard Service
Finding a credible security company that fits your needs entails more than just comparing rates. Here are key considerations when evaluating providers:
Verify Licenses and Certifications
Remember to confirm the legitimacy of business licenses and training credentials claimed. Unqualified guards expose you to liability risks.
Request Client References
Speaking with a provider’s current customers offers transparent insight regarding service levels, reliability, and responsiveness.
Review Insurance Coverage
Make sure general liability insurance and workers’ compensation policies are current to protect your interests in the event of an incident.
Understand the Response Process
Clarify calling procedures – who to contact, backup options if unreachable, and realistic response times. Confirm notifications to authorities are made as situations warrant.
Look for Specialized Experience
If your facility has specific risks like cash handling or private data, select guards seasoned in those areas. Warehouses, hospitals, and financial firms all have unique needs.
Ask About Turnover
Frequent guard reassignment can diminish safety and comfort levels. Probe the hiring and retention approach and how guards are compensated and valued long-term.
Taking time to thoroughly evaluate security teams demonstrates how seriously you consider safety. Identify attentive providers committed to transparent communication and custom-tailored programs.
Benefits of Hiring a Security Guard
Beyond the obvious goal of protecting people and property, security guards provide additional advantages:
- Prevent Theft – Visible patrols combined with unafraid confrontation of suspicious activity thwarts potential thieves from targeting sites. Both petty crimes and larger cargo thefts can be avoided.
- Limit Liability – With attentive guards actively monitoring for hazards, risks of slips, falls, fires, and more are promptly addressed before accidents escalate.
- Protect Private Information – Guards verify confidential files, cash, equipment, and information are secured against unauthorized access or removal.
- Promote Employee Comfort – Employees have peace of mind in being able to complete tasks, work late if needed, or walk to their vehicles at night with security present.
- Improve Customer Experiences – Welcoming patrons, assisting elderly clients, and prompt incident handling promote your brand professionally and compassionately.
Statistics confirm adding guards drops crime rates substantially more than technology alone. Leverage their capabilities for robust protection and service.
Conclusion
Ignoring security vulnerabilities in your company can lead to catastrophic consequences impacting staff, customers, data privacy, equipment, and facility integrity. With many options, you can partner with reputable security professionals who will tailor robust programs suiting your risk profile and budget and take proactive precautions. Weigh considerations like experience requirements, vetting procedures, communications standards, and overall responsiveness when evaluating vendors to determine best-fitting solutions. Providing a safe environment supports productivity gains, employee retention, and customer loyalty while allowing you, as a business leader, to rest easier with comprehensive coverage.
